Abstract: An orthopedic device for implanting between adjacent vertebrae comprising: an arcuate balloon and a hardenable material within said balloon. In some embodiments, the balloon has a footprint that substantially corresponds to a perimeter of a vertebral endplate. An inflatable device is inserted through a cannula into an intervertebral space and oriented so that, upon expansion, a natural angle between vertebrae will be at least partially restored. At least one component selected from the group consisting of a load-bearing component and an osteobiologic component is directed into the inflatable device through a fluid communication means.

Abstract: An orthopedic impacting tool includes a motor-based drive assembly, an air chamber, a compression piston, an impacting element, an anvil element, and a broach adapter. The anvil element may include first and second faces and may be adapted to accept a portion of the broach adapter such that the broach adapter is proximate to the first face and distal to the second face. In operation, the motor-based drive assembly may cause the compression piston to move and compress air in a first portion of the air chamber or in a second portion of the air chamber. The impacting element may cyclically impact the first face of the anvil element upon application of compressed air from one of the first and second portions, and cyclically impact the second face of the anvil element upon application of compressed air from the other of the first and second portions.

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for enlarging a spinal canal of a vertebra. Using the methods and systems disclosed the spinal canal of the vertebra is enlarged by cutting the posterior arch portion of the vertebra to create one or two implant receiving spaces in the posterior arch portion. The cutting of the posterior arch portion is completed through a minimally invasive approach. Once cut, the detached portion of the posterior arch portion is repositioned and an implant is positioned in the implant receiving space of the posterior arch portion to thereby enlarge the spinal canal such that the spinal cord is no longer compressed. The insertion of the implant is also completed through a minimally invasive approach.

Abstract: Isolated or purified mammalian kidney-derived cell populations from mammalian kidney tissue are provided. Methods are provided for the isolation and purification of the mammalian kidney-derived cell population. Methods for treating kidney disease are provided by administration of the isolated or purified mammalian kidney-derived cell population to a mammalian subject.

Abstract: Bone anchors and surgical instruments (e.g., bone taps, drivers, etc.) are disclosed herein that include integrated guide tips. Use of these anchors or instruments can eliminate one or more of the steps in a conventional bone anchor installation procedure, improving surgical efficiency and safety. For example, a surgical instrument can include a guide projection configured for insertion through a cannulation formed in a bone anchor when the surgical instrument is coupled to the bone anchor. The surgical instrument can also include various mechanisms for adjusting the position of the guide projection relative to the bone anchor. The guide projection can replace the needle, stylet, and guidewire used in typical insertion procedures. The bone anchor can also include integrated tapping features to eliminate the need for a separate bone tap instrument. Thus, in some embodiments, targeting, tapping, and driving the bone anchor can be performed in a single step.

Abstract: Minimally invasive methods and devices are provided for positioning a spinal fixation element in relation to adjacent spinal anchors. In an exemplary embodiment, the device is a percutaneous access device that can be coupled to a spinal anchor, and the method includes the step of positioning a spinal fixation element through at least one sidewall opening of at least two percutaneous access devices such that the spinal fixation element extends in a lengthwise orientation that is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of each percutaneous access device. The spinal fixation element can then be advanced in the lengthwise orientation to seat the spinal fixation element in or adjacent to the receiver heads of at least two adjacent spinal anchors. A fastening element or other closure mechanism can then be applied to each spinal anchor to engage the spinal fixation element within the receiver heads of the adjacent anchors.

Abstract: A system and methods for providing and reclaiming a single use imaging device for sterile environments is disclosed and described. The system may include a single use high definition camera used for general purpose surgical procedures including, but not limited to: arthroscopic, laparoscopic, gynecologic, and urologic procedures, may comprise an imaging device that is a sterile and designed to ensure single use. The imaging device may have a single imaging sensor, either CCD or CMOS, encased in a housing.

Abstract: An expandable implant system is configured to increase the height of a target bone, for instance that has been subjected to a compression fracture. The expandable implant system includes an implant assembly that can be inserted into the target bone, and subsequently expanded so as to increase the height of the target bone. The expandable implant system further includes an and insertion assembly that is configured to create an insertion channel into the target bone, such that the implant assembly can be inserted in a collapsed configuration into the target bone along the insertion channel, and subsequently expanded.

Abstract: An adjustable spinal fusion intervertebral implant including upper and lower body portions each having proximal and distal surfaces at proximal and distal ends thereof. The implant can include a proximal wedge member disposed at the proximal ends of the respective ones of the upper and lower body portions, and a distal wedge member disposed at the distal ends of the respective ones of the upper and lower body portions. First and second linkages can connect the upper and lower body portions. Rotation of an actuator shaft can cause the distal and proximal wedge members to be drawn together such that longitudinal movement of the distal wedge member against the distal surfaces and the longitudinal movement of the proximal wedge member against the proximal surfaces causes separation of the upper and lower body portions.

Abstract: Disclosed are fixation devices for repairing spondylolysis. The fixation device can include a first anchor, a second anchor, and a bridge that couples the first and second anchors together. In use, the first anchor can be implanted on one side of a pars fracture, the second anchor can be implanted on the other side of the pars fracture, and the bridge can span across the pars fracture. In some embodiments, the fixation device can be compressible to promote healing of the fracture.

Abstract: The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for enhancing edges within an image in a light deficient environment, which utilizes knowledge of the expected noise pixel by pixel, to control the strength of the edge enhancement and thereby limit the impact of the enhancement on the perception of noise.

Abstract: The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for producing an image in light deficient environments having cancelled fixed pattern noise.

Abstract: A device for implanting heat deformable fixation elements of different sizes in a bone, comprises a hand piece extending from a proximal end to a distal end and including an internal optical waveguide connected to a laser source and open to the distal end of the hand piece and a light guiding tip extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the proximal end of the light guiding tip being removably mechanically and optically connectable to the distal end of the hand piece and the distal end of the light guiding tip being configured to permit removable attachment of a bone fixation element, the light guiding tip including an optical waveguide, wherein the light guiding tip is configured to control a total radiant energy Q transmitted from the laser source to the bone fixation element.

Abstract: An intervertebral fusion device comprising inferior and superior fusion cage devices that provide an ability to correct spondylolisthesis via in-situ adjustment.

Abstract: A method of determining disc space geometry with the use of an expandable trial having endplate-mapping capabilities. An expandable trial is inserted into the disc space and its height is adjusted to obtain the desired decompression and spinal alignment (which is typically confirmed with the use of CT or Fluoroscopic imaging). The endplate dome/geometry dome is then determined by one of the following three methods: a) direct imaging through the trial, b) balloon moldings filled with flowable in-situ fluid (for example, silicon, polyurethane, or PMMA) from superior/inferior endplates or c) light-based imaging through superior & inferior balloons.

Abstract: An orthopedic device for implanting between adjacent vertebrae comprising: an arcuate balloon and a hardenable material within said balloon. In some embodiments, the balloon has a footprint that substantially corresponds to a perimeter of a vertebral endplate. An inflatable device is inserted through a cannula into an intervertebral space and oriented so that, upon expansion, a natural angle between vertebrae will be at least partially restored. At least one component selected from the group consisting of a load-bearing component and an osteobiologic component is directed into the inflatable device through a fluid communication means.

Abstract: A bone fixation assembly includes a plurality of bone fixation elements that each include a bone anchor configured to be implanted into underlying bone, such as a vertebra. Each bone anchor is received in an anchor seat, and the anchor seats are joined by a fixation rod so as to operatively couple and fix the position and orientation of the vertebrae relative to each other. The bone anchor is free to rotate relative to the anchor seat, and is also free to pivot in a desired direction relative to the anchor seat.

Abstract: A surgical instrument system and method are disclosed. The surgical instrument system includes an instrument case and a charging plate that may be placed in a sterile surgical field. The charging plate is configured to receive electrical power from outside the sterile surgical field and transmit that electrical power to other devices within the sterile field.

Abstract: A device, kit and method for the correction of spinal deformity using an anterior approach. The device comprises a screw-head platform (102), wherein the screw-head platform (102) comprises a primary recess (112) for receiving a primary rod (114), and a main vertebral body screw (104) rotatably connected to the screw-head platform (102).

Abstract: The disclosure extends to systems and methods for reducing the area of an image sensor by employing bi-directional pads used for both image data issuance and configuration command reception and internal supply voltage generation, for reducing the number of conductors in an endoscope system.